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The Professional Gardener

Difference between epsom salts and aluminum sulphate

15 years ago

A professional rose growing friend of mine gave me a 5 gallon pail of white powder when she was moving. She said the bag had broken and she couldn't remember if it was epsom salts or aluminum sulphate. Is there any way to identify one from the other? I hate to throw it out but it would be safer than using the wrong product. Thanks for any help you can give.

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motanakajima
15 years ago
Emsom salt (Magnesium sulfate: MgSO4ÂE7H2O) and Alminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3). You should be able to find difference by testing with litmus paper; epsom salt solution (in water) is neutral, and aluminum sulfate solution is acidic. Besure to use distilled water to make solution.
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